Francisco and School as told by Lucia to Mia

TRUANCY/PEER PRESSURE:
Francisco and a group of his friends must not have liked school very much. On their way to school they would discuss better ways on how to spend the day. Then the group would skip school by jumping on the back of trucks heading for town. They would go around the town riding on these trucks; then finally end up in the fields where they spent their entire day. Doing what? Mom did not know because Dad never told her. Somehow (I'm guessing they did not own a watch) they kept track of time because they would be on a truck or bus heading home the hour school was out. (Not sure how old he was during this time.)

THE RICH LADY AND EDUCATION:
When Francisco was around 9 years old (school began at age 7 for children in those days, in Mexico), there was a wealthy woman who lived in the same town. She approached him one day, and asked him if he would like to attend a good school. If he was willing to go, she would be willing to pay for it. His parents agreed to the deal, and made preparations for him to go. When he was ready at last-an unexpected thing happened-his father died.

He was the man of the house now, and had responsibilities to his home. He could no longer attend school and support his mother at the same time. He put the needs of his mother ahead of his own.

In those days it was not uncommon for a child to be sold to another family to work as a slave in order to support the child's family. Children in those situations were often mistreated and abused by their owners. It was not a fate any child deserved or wanted. Soon after hearing about his father's death, a man came and approached Antonia to "rent" Francisco (in other words be his slave). Francisco pleaded with his mother (begged) to not do this to him because it would make him miserable. She relented to Francisco's desire, and he was not "rented".

How did he bring in money for his family? He was sent to his brother, Jose's home. He was to work. He learned to milk cows, and the money was given to his mother. Later, he worked in the fields. He would leave for work in the darkness, and work all day in the sun/heat. He would leave work after the sun had set. (In hindsight, what should have been done was to send Francisco to school to better himself/move up in class, and have Antonia move in with Jose. Then after educated he could support his family with more money. Unfortunately, uneducated people who spend their lives working hand to mouth do not understand the value of an education. I cannot imagine how much better Dad's life would have been had he went to school. Let this be a lesson to us for our family's future generations.)